Tuesday, May 31, 2011

FLASH NEWS

Group 'B' exam – vacancy for General line enhanced from 10 to 25

The Directorate has revised the number of vacancies in respect of Group 'B' exam scheduled to be held on 29.05.2011. For General line it was raised from 10 to 25. In respect of IP line it was reduced to 3 from 32.

Sub:Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for Postmaster Grade – I – Crucial date for deciding the qualifying service for the Examination – regarding

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to refer to Directorate's letter No: A-34012/ 3/ 2011-DE, dated 13.04.2011 regarding conduct of Postmaster Grade I Examination, 2011 to be held on 12.06.2011 for the existing vacancies in Postmaster Grade-I.

2. Clarification has been sought by certain Circles regarding the crucial date for assessing the eligibility of Postal Assistants for appearing in the Postmaster Grade-I Examination, 2011 to be held on 12.06.2011.

3. The matter has been examined in the Directorate. As per the Directorate's order No. 13-2/2010-PE.1 dated 25.11.2010, the General line posts would be deemed to have been designated as Postmaster Grade-I, Postmaster Grade-II and Postmaster Grade-III with effect from the dates those are filled up. Therefore it has been decided by the competent authority that the crucial date for assessing the eligibility of the candidates for the purpose of Postmaster Grade-1 Examination 2011, to be filled up on the basis of Limited Departmental Competitive Examination would be the closing date for dispatch of the applications by nodal officers to CMC, ie.18.05.2011. Such Circles, who have prescribed the crucial date other than 18.05.2011, are advised to issue another circular calling for the applications from only such officials, who have become eligible during the period 01.01.2011 to 18.05.2011, by asking them to apply by 2nd June, 2011. Due to paucity of time, the Circles on receipt of applications shall issue hall tickets to the eligible candidates to appear in the examination after consulting the CMC telephonically regarding the Roll Number(s) to be assigned and the venue for examination. It should be immediately followed by a written communication to CMC indicating the names, Roll Numbers so assigned along with a copy of the application submitted by the candidates. In case of any contingency, the Circles may contact DDG(RP) [Tel. No: 23096101]

4. Further, according to the Dept of Personnel & Training OM No: 22011/3/98-98-Estt. (I) dated 17.09.1998, the crucial date for determining eligibility of officers for promotion in case of financial year-based vacancy year would fall on January 1st immediately preceding such vacancy year, the first of the vacancy year, ie. January 1st itself would be taken as the crucial date irrespective of whether the ACRs are written financial year wise or calendar year wise. As such, the crucial date for determining eligibility of Postal Assistants for appearing in the Postmaster Grade-1 Examination to be conducted in the subsequent years ie during the year 2012 and thereafter would be 1st January of the year, to which the vacancies pertain to.

LUCKNOW: In some good news for government employees, Lucknow's consumer dispute redressal forum has ruled that government employees who take loans from their departments and pay interest on the sum will henceforth be regarded at par with other 'consumers' of the department.

The ruling was made in response to a complaint made by Ahmad Hussain, a retired official of the postal department. During his years at the department, Hussain took a loan of Rs 69,620 for constructing a house.

The defending party, in this case theDepartment of Postand its officers, in their counter-affidavit submitted to the forum accepted that Hussain was an employee of the postal department and that he had taken a loan. Officials of DoP also accepted that the complainant had re-paid the loan with an interest amount.

The forum, in the matter, observed that the complainant is a consumer because he took a loan from his department and paid interest on the same. Granting of a loan to an employee was a service given by the postal department to Hussain.

Further, by earning interest on the loan amount the department also made profits on the service rendered.

In such situations, the forum added, despite being an employee of the department, the complainant will also be considered a consumer of the department. Despite the fact that complainant paid back the loan along with an interest, postal department could not return the complainant's document. "This amounts to lack in service," observed the forum. The DoP has now been ordered to not only return Hussain's original documents within a month from getting the certified copy of the forum's order, but also pay him a compensation amount of Rs 5,000 for mental harassment and another Rs 5,000 as litigation cost.

Source: The Times of India

POSTAL EMPLOYEES THREATEN STRIKE

Pune : The members of postal department employees' joint action committee held a sit-in agitation outside the office of postmaster general Pune on Thursday to protest against the staff crunch and inadequate infrastructure at workplaces. A memorandum of demands was submitted to the postmaster general, demanding an immediate action over it. The task force has threatened to go on an indefinite strike from July 5, if the demands are not considered.

Vilas Deshpande, president of the task force said that the department of post should follow open recruitment process to fill the long pending vacant posts. The Post is facing severe staff crunch and the offices are not equipped with advanced infrastructure. Deshpande criticised the department's move to deploy postal staff to sell the products of private companies at post offices.

Deshpande said, "The department should stop privatisation of work, outsourcing and delivery hubs. The vacancies should be filled immediately. The department should not give work tenders to outside private agencies. It is essential that the common people should receive the post on time. For this, the department should deploy the staff for postal services instead of selling other products."

Around 300 members of Federation of National Postal Organisation (FNPO) and National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE) participated in the agitation. Secretary of the task force S D Vedpathak and treasurer Y N Kamble also addressed the gathering.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Informations collected through SMS, E-mail about the conduct of Dharna on 25.05.2011 at various head quarters are furnished in the following link. This is not exhaustive.

The reports are very much encouraging and it established the commitment of Postal workers to save the Postal services despite various repressive measures unleashed in many circles against the conduct of this programme. We salute the Postal comrades for their rock like unity, solidarity and commitment in the JCA Call.

Let us strengthen the unity further and organize for an effective massive strike action from 05.07.2011.

The main factors of census of Central Government employees are given below for your ready reference.(1). As per the result of Census Enquiries, the total regular employment under Central Government as per this census was 31.16 lakh as against 31.64 lakh of previous census.The employment has, thus, recorded a decline of 1.52%.

(2). Employment in Ministry of Railways was the highest (45.32%) followed by theMinistry of Home Affairs (22.20%),Defense civilian (11.35%),Communications & IT (7.75%) andFinance (3.62%).Other Ministries/Departments collectively shared the rest of 9.76% of the total Central Government regular employment.

(3). Out of 31.16 lakh regular employees,3.20 lakh were women.The proportion of women in the total employment shows an increasing trend.It is 10.28% in this census against 9.68% in previous census and thereby indicating empowerment of women.

(4). About 96% of regular Central Government employees were Non-Gazetted.The overall ratio of Gazetted to Non-Gazetted employees was 1:22.In Ministry of Railways, ratio, however, was 1:116.

(6). About 21.13% of the regular Central Government employees were found to be in Grade pay of Rs. 2000 to 24000/- and only 0.47% employees were in highest bracket of pay range-HAG with drawing basic pay of Rs. 75,500/- & above.

(7). Amongst regular Central Government employees,15.66% were working at offices located in 'A-1' class cities, 11.10% in 'A' class cities,4.61% in B-I class cities and15.31% in B-2 class cities.The percentage of employees in 'C' class and other unclassified cities was 53.32%.

(8). Amongst States and Union Territory Administrations, the highest number of regular Central Government employees was in the State ofWest Bengal (11.23%) followed byUttar Pradesh (9.97%),Maharashtra (9.65%),Delhi (6.61%),Andhra Pradesh (6.44%) andTamil Nadu (4.66%).In remaining States/U.Ts the proportion was less than 4%.

A two days struggle programme was conducted in A.P Circle against the orders on abolition of "Sorting Postman" cadre as the decision taken by the Circle union instantaneously.

On 19th Demonstrations, Gate meetings were held and Telegrams were issued under NFPE coordination committee in the Circle.

On 20th, a call given to hold one day DHARNA progamme at Divisional level was observed. Nearly 95% of the Divisions conducted the programme in a successful way and reported to Circle Union. The Circle Coordination Committee endorsed the programmes and with our best efforts we showed our resentment over the orders on the subject and sent an indication with this response to retrograde activities of the higher administration.

Subject:- GRANT OF FINANCIAL UPGRADATION IN THE PROMOTION HIERARCHY INSTEAD OF GRADE PAY HIERARCHY UNDER THE MACPS-FURNISHING THE INFORMATION REGARDING.

Sir,DOP&T vide OM No. 42012/1/2011-Estt (D) dated 05th May 2011(Copy enclosed has intimated that " in the third meeting of the Joint Committee of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) held on 15 Mar. 2011, it has been decided that necessary information in respect of specific categories of employees where the MACPS is less advantageous that the erstwhile ACPS may be called to from Ministries of Railways, Defence, Urban Development, Home Affairs and Department of Posts for taking a conscious decision in the matter."

2.In this context, I am directed to request you to send the requisite information/inputs on the issue latest by 30 May 2011 for onward submission to DOP&T.

"Please accord priority to it."

(Surender Kumar )

Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)

No. 42012/1/2011-Estt (D)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training), Establishment (D)

North Block, New Delhi,

Dated 05 May, 2011

Subject:- Grant of financial upgradation in the promotion hierarchy instead of grade pay hierarchy under the MACPS-furnishing the information regarding.

Based on the discussion with Staff Side in 3rd meeting of the Joint Committee of Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) held on 15.03.2011 under the chairmanship of the Joint Secretary (Establishment) Department of Personnel & Training, it has been decided that the necessary information it has been decided that necessary information in respect of specific categories of employees where the MACPS is less advantageous that the erstwhile ACPS may be called to from Ministries of Railways, Defence, Urban Development, Home Affairs and Department of Posts for taking a conscious Decision in the matter."

2. The Ministries of Railways, Defence, Urban Development, Home Affairs and Department of Posts are therefore, requested to send their information in the matter to this Department at the earliest.

 IMMEDIATE SETTLEMENT OF LONG PENDING SECTIONAL DEMANDS OF ALL CADRES OF POSTAL AND RMS EMPLOYEES INCLUDING GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS AND CASUAL LABOURERS.

INDEFINITE STRIKE FROM 2011 JULY 5TH

 IN 1946 JULY ENTIRE P&T EMPLOYEES WENT ON INDEFINITE STRIKE AGAINST THE BRITISH IMPERIALISM

IN 2011 JULY ENTIRE POSTAL EMPLOYEES ARE GOING AHEAD FOR ANOTHER INDEFINITE

STRIKE AGAINST THE IMPERIALIST GLOBALIZATION POLICIES AND THE US-BASED MCKINSEY REFORMS IN INDIA POST

WE DON'T WANT THE FOREIGN CONSULTANT TO DECIDE OUR FATE

MCKINSEY IS FOR PRIVATISATION OF INDIA POST

WE SHALL OPPOSE IT LOCK STOCK AND BARREL

WE ARE READY TO SACRIFICE TO SAVE INDIA POST

PREPARE FOR A DETERMINED AND UNCOMPROMISING STRUGGLE

MAKE THE MAY 25TH DHARNA PROGRAMME A GRAND SUCCESS.

ORGANISE CIRCLE LEVEL JOINT CONVENTIONS OF NFPE & FNPO

PARTICIPATE IN THE JUNE 19TH ALL INDIA JOINT CONVENTION AT CHENNAI.

Dear Comrades,

We are in receipt of encouraging reports from various circles and Divisions about the mobilisation by grass root level workers and leaders for the total participation of employees in the indefinite strike from 5th July 2011 as per the call of Central Joint Council of Action (NFPE, FNPO & GDS Unions)

Department's move for implementing the Mckinsey Consultancy's disastrous recommendations has resulted in allround protest and stiff resistance from employees especially in Chennai and Hyderabad. Chennai Postmen staff has went on three day's strike and successfully resisted the Mckinsey reforms and halted it. Andhra comrades are conducting continuous agitational and campaign programmes throughout the Circle against the unilateral implementation of Mckinsey reforms. "Mckinsey Go Back" has become the slogan of the fighting comrades.

Postal Board is trying to go ahead with the Mckinsey reforms. Speed post hubs have resulted in erosion of public faith in the efficiency of this premium services. Now the department want to implement hubs for first class ordinary mails and registered articles. Total number of sorting offices will be reduced to 77. Further Chief PMGs have already sent proposals to Directorate for closure / merger of thousands of Post offices in urban areas. Privatisation and contractorisation of the Mail Motor Service (MMS) is also on the anvil. Opening of Franchise Post offices (Private Post offices) in a new name called "Post shoppe" and outsourcing of many other postal functions are also under serious consideration. Orders are already issued abolishing the sorting postman cadre altogether.

Gramin Dak Sevaks are facing the worst attack they have ever faced after independence of the country. Bonus has been reduced. Norms for cash handling and stamp sale drastically reduced. Norms for calculating the workload and allowances of Branch Postmasters have been curtailed resulting in reduction of allowances. Compassionate appointments limited to 10%. 25% of the Postmen vacancies are given to outsiders. And as a last blow, the GDS Conduct and Employment Rules has been changed and instead of "Employment" the word "Engagement" has been substituted. "Appointing authority" is changed as "Recruiting Authority", thus permanently blocking the chances of GDS to be treated as Civil Servants. All the adverse recommendations of Nataraja Moorthy Committee are implemented one by one. The revision of wages of casual labours w.e.f. 01.01.2006 is still pending and the orders for outsourcing their work is not yet withdrawn.

Many sectional demands listed in the 25 point charter of demands are yet to be settled. Cadre restructuring of all cadres, Decentralization of PLI and RPLI, Filling up of vacancies, Revision of OSA and OTA rates, Non implementation of JCM (Departmental Council) assurances, Non-settlement of demands raised in the Postman Committee, issues of MTS, parity in pay-scale and promotion to MMS Drivers, SBCO and Civil Wing issues, problems of Postal Accounts Staff, counting of services of ex-RTP staff, Discrimination towards PO and RMS Accountants Cadre, MACP anomalies, review of Postmaster cadre orders etc. are agitating the minds of the employees for the last more than one year.

Comrades, the very existence of Postal Department as a Government Services and its five lakhs employees is under threat from the Government. This is a question of "DO or DIE". We have to face the challenge. We shall fight it out with all forces at our command. We are confident that we can stop this onslaught.

Let us prepare ourselves for a massive breakdown from 5th July 2011, which alone can compel the Government to come forward and settle the genuine demands of the Postal workers.